Choosing a Lift That Will Contribute Most to Shop Profitability
As the centerpiece of the service bay, lifts are critical to the productivity and profitability of any automotive repair shop. A lift that’s properly matched to the job at hand will let technicians work more efficiently, for greater profitability. If the lift is well-made, it will provide enhanced productivity for years to come.
The Real Art of Advertising: More Than Pretty Pictures and Catchy Phrases, Part I
During challenging economic times, nearly everyone in the automotive service industry asks the same nagging question: “How much should I really be spending on advertising?” In truth, the answer to that question should be another question: “Are you spending or investing?”
New AAPEX Education Sessions Geared for Parts Stores and Repair Shops
Among the 30 education sessions scheduled for the Learning Forum at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), seven have been designed specifically for parts store and repair shop attendees. All AAPEX education sessions are free-of-charge to everyone and will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 4 in Marco Polo Rooms 701-706 on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1 in the Venetian Hotel.
Federated Launches New Website for Car Care Center Members
Federated Auto Parts has launched a new website for its Car Care Center members. Besides a detailed Car Care Center locator on the home page, the site also offers seasonal vehicle maintenance suggestions as well as a service interval schedule for when vehicle maintenance should be conducted.
AASA ‘Know Your Parts’ Campaign Promotes Quality Brand Name Aftermarket Parts
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has initiated a “Know Your Parts” awareness and educational campaign designed to address concerns over the low-cost, off shore, generic auto parts that are flooding the domestic aftermarket.
Senate Passes Small Business Lending Fund
The Senate has passed “The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010,” H.R. 5297, by a vote of 61-38. The bill originally passed the U.S. House of Representatives June 28, 2010, and it now returns to the House for final passage. The bill creates a $30 billion lending fund that will be distributed to regional banks that will in turn lend to small businesses.
Think You’re Female Friendly? Examine the Basics to See if Your Shop Measures Up
Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases, including everything from automobiles to healthcare, and they spend about $5 trillion annually – about half of the U.S. gross domestic product.
Executive Interview: Jim Graninger, Vice President, Regional Business Unit, Bosch Diagnostics
Bosch’s Jim Graninger brings to automotive service more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including over 20 years in the aftermarket arena. Before joining Bosch, he was Vice President and General Manager of Rexnord Industries, LLC, and prior to that, served in several vice president level roles with Snap-on, Inc., including their diagnostics business. Jim’s successful career includes international assignments in Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands as well as international responsibilities for Asia, Australia and Latin America.
Tap Into the Power of Collaboration To Grow Your Business, Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how collaboration can positively affect your business by producing better business decisions. Now, let’s discuss options for broadening your decision-making inputs by finding the right business group for you.
Shop Profile: No Place Like Bob’s Wheel Alignment
When Bob Archer opened the doors to Bob’s Wheel Alignment in Charlottesville, VA, almost 30 years ago, he had one technician and one front-office secretary. Today, the shop employs 21 people and has grown to more than 17,000 square feet. What’s made Bob’s so successful all these years? “Service, service, service,” he says.